People often ask how we manage to keep our home feeling clean. It’s not always perfect here—no professional cleaner—but we rely on simple routines and practical shortcuts that make the home feel tidy and welcoming, even with dogs and visiting toddlers.
Below are seven easy strategies we use to keep our home clean enough to be comfortable and inviting.
This post is available on the blog for everyone and will also be added to the HomeBody membership 10 Minute Sanctuary Gallery so members can find it when they need it. The HomeBody House is a quiet, ad-free space for people who want helpful ideas and inspiration to create peaceful home sanctuaries.
One: The Steps
We sweep the stairs regularly. A quick sweep a few times a week makes a big difference in how tidy the whole house feels. It doesn’t take long, and keeping stair treads free of crumbs and dirt instantly lifts the appearance of the main living areas.
Two: The Furniture
Protect furniture with washable covers. We cover benches, sofas and chairs with washable tablecloths, quilts or pretty blankets. That makes it easy to launder coverings when they get dirty from pets or toddlers instead of fighting to deep-clean upholstery all the time.
The trick is to choose coverings you actually like so the room still looks intentional and cozy. If you don’t love the blanket, you won’t love the look of your space.
Some options we use for easy, washable coverings:
- Reversible blankets in coordinating colors and patterns
- Plaid cotton throws in neutral and dark tones
- Lightweight white coverlets for daybeds
- A buffalo-check tassel tablecloth for benches
Three: The Toddler Messes
We welcome babies and little visitors, and they’re always more important than a spotless house. Still, a few practical items let us enjoy messy play without stress. For mealtimes or art projects, we spread small, washable tarps over benches or floors; they protect surfaces and can be tossed in the wash when the activity is over. It keeps the surrounding area clean and saves time on cleanup.
Four: The Floors
Clean floors make a home feel freshly cared for. We use a robot vacuum on the main floor to pick up pet hair and daily debris, and a lightweight handheld or stick vacuum for upstairs areas. Running the robot regularly and a quick manual vacuum when needed keeps rugs and floors looking presentable with minimal effort.
Five: Spills and Fabric Accidents
When accidents happen on fabrics or rugs, a portable cleaner that works on upholstery and carpets is a lifesaver. We also prefer washable rugs for high-traffic areas so spills are easier to manage—many rugs can be taken outside or thrown in the washing machine to refresh quickly.
Six: The Dust
Dust is noticeable, but manageable with a couple of habits.
My dusting approach:
Keep a reliable dusting tool handy for quick surface dusting—light fixtures, shelves and railings get dusted easily and often. Also, seasonally refresh decor and shelving arrangements; when we rotate and tidy decorative items, those surfaces get dusted and polished in the process, keeping displays looking fresh.
Seven: General House Cleaning
Simple tools and small routines keep everyday cleaning manageable:
Microfiber cloths for windows and mirrors make quick work of pet nose prints and splashes. We keep scrub brushes and spare towels by the kitchen sink for short daily tasks—cleaning cups, quick dish jobs, and wiping counters. Having these tools in easy reach prevents small messes from becoming bigger ones.
We also use toxin-free household products that are safe for family and pets, which helps maintain a truly clean home environment on a regular basis.
With a few thoughtful tools, washable protectors, and regular short tasks, it’s possible to have a comfortable, clean-feeling home without spending hours every day. Creating systems that work for your household—especially when kids and pets are involved—lets you focus on the people and moments that really matter.